The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-03-16

to permit escape, its companion Of the
same size, was found the same morn
ing in an adjoining drain. On this oc-
casion, the snake, which had been sew
eral hours in the well, SWAN with ease,
raising its head and hood above water;
and instances have occurred of the CO.
bra di capella taking considerable ex-
cursions by sea-"
In spite of it's venomous character,
the cobra is naturally one of the most
timid and harmless of creatures, rarely,
if ever. making an unprovoked attack.
1t is only under the sense of fear, OF
when irritated, that it strikes, and, like
most of the serpent tribe, it is happy to
beat retreat when in the presence of
man, and unless followed and speedily
cornered, disappears in some hiding
place without evincing, beyond a threat
ening hiss, any desire to become an ag-
gressor.
1t is its really docile and gentle dis
position, coupled, perhaps, with the
ttDuol iCASC ttill awe III WulCu IL ID Helu
by the vulgar, that causes the cobra to
be the favorite of Oriental jugglers.
Its striking appearance and deadly
nature is so universally understood that
any trihing with it appears to the I'M
initiated the more wonderful.
To be sure it is claimed that perform
ing cobras are deprived of their fangs,
and are consequently harmless; but
this is true only of those used by infe-
rior performers, as a rule, though the
serpent is sometimes rendered harmless
by causing it to repeatedly strike some
object until the present supply of venom
is exhausted.
The exhibition of harmless reptile
becomes merely an exhibition of its
highly trained condition; and the Jug
gler, knowing sahib's constitutional
ncredulity, if exhibiting such, is
sure to be provided with one or
more venomous cobras that will be pro-
duced by virtue of a few additional
annas, and whose deadly character is
vouched for by forcing it to strike some
fowl or small quadruped. Now, too,
the performance acquires a different
character, since when the reptile
strikes, it is with the rapidity of an
electric shock.
The juggler handles it swiftly and
adroitly, without faltering or hesita-
ton, for such would be fatal; and in
the swift seizure and sudden release is
exhibited a daring and courage of an
exceptional kind. When necessary, he
provokes the serpent to strike, and ere
it can recover and again place itself in
an attitude of defense, he grasps it
quickly just below the jaws, thereby
rendering it powerless; and when it is
released, it is by swift enclosing of
the fingers and removal of the arm, so
deity performed as to appear as but
one movement. In due time the SER
pent learns that these movements are
devoid of injury, and consequently sub
mits to them INCREASINGLY, and, unless
specially reused, becomes practically
harmless.
The tame cobras are handled in all
ways; are taught to advance and re-
treat, coil and uncoil, bow their heads,
and bring their deadly mouths in close
proximity to those of their master, and
all through the medium Of certain
vocal or instrumental sounds, which,
although travellers are wont to pro-
nounce them musica |, no scope of the
Imagination can imbue with harmony.
1t is not in any sense of the word
serpent charming" but merely
adroitness on the part of the NEGRO
mancer, supplemented by long training
and enforcement of certain habits.
Nevertheless, understanding full well
the fatal results of an accident, which
only instant amputation can avert,
most jugglers carry large broad
bladed knife of wonderful keenness to
be used in case of emergency.
Sir Emmerson Tennent witnessed
the death of a performer in Ceylon,
who was provoked by his audience to
some maccustomed familiarity with his
cobra; it bit him in the arm. and he
expired the same evening. Again.
Forbes in his "Oriental Memoirs. !"
states that not doubling but that the
cobra which danced for an hour on his
table while he painted it, had been de-
prived of its fangs, he frequently han
died it to observe the beauty of its col
oring, especially the white spots on its
hood.
The next morning, however, his
Mahometan servant rushed in with
great haste, desiring he should retire
and praise the Almighty for his good
fortune, since, while purchasing some
fruit at bazaar, he had observed the
man who had exhibited the serpent the
previous evening, engaged in giving a
street performance; and the cobra, be-
coming suddenly irritated, darted at
the throat of young woman, who
was squatted near, and inflicted a
wound, from which she died in the
course of half an hour.
When at rest, the neck of the cobra
is not of greater diameter than the
head; but when confronting an enemy,
or excited by passion and irritation, it
raises the front half Cor little more)
of the body vertically from the ground,